# The Agony and the Ecstasy (1965)

> A powerful pope and a fiercely independent Michelangelo clash over the arduous creation of the Sistine Chapel ceiling.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/movie/22891

## Facts

- Runtime: 138 min
- Genres: Drama, History
- Director: Carol Reed
- Cast: Charlton Heston, Rex Harrison, Diane Cilento, Harry Andrews, Alberto Lupo, Adolfo Celi, Venantino Venantini, Tomas Milian
- TMDB rating: 7.0/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058886/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: slow
- Intensity: moderate
- Complexity: accessible
- Violence: mild
- Mood: earnest, austere, contemplative, historical film night, art appreciation viewing

## Synopsis

A master artist struggles under the weight of a Pope's ambition, creating a masterpiece that will define his legacy.

## Movies like The Agony and the Ecstasy

- [Anne of the Thousand Days (1969)](https://ember.film/movie/13458)
- [The Cardinal (1963)](https://ember.film/movie/1972)
- [Christ Stopped at Eboli (1979)](https://ember.film/movie/27180)
- [A Man for All Seasons (1966)](https://ember.film/movie/719)
- [The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965)](https://ember.film/movie/1698)
- [Becket (1964)](https://ember.film/movie/9205)
- [El Cid (1961)](https://ember.film/movie/10050)
- [The Two Popes (2019)](https://ember.film/movie/384583)
- [Luther (2003)](https://ember.film/movie/3132)
- [Cromwell (1970)](https://ember.film/movie/19854)

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